Quentin Tarantino has spent more than 30 years making some of the most recognizable movies in Hollywood, but he’s still got one rather important project left on his bucket list. The director has repeatedly insisted that his tenth movie will be his last, although that doesn’t mean he’s planning to stop telling stories. Instead, he’s taking his particular brand of violence, outrageous dialogue and dark comedy somewhere it hasn’t been before, and he’s bringing one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable comedians along for the ride.
Tarantino’s first-ever stage play, The Popinjay Cavalier, will officially open at London’s Phoenix Theatre on March 18, 2027, with previews beginning February 23. The production stars Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) and will run for three months, closing on June 13. Tarantino is both writing and directing the show, which is described as a swashbuckling comedy set in 1830s Europe.
Set in 1830s Europe, this rambunctious tale of deception and disguise is Tarantino’s first-ever play, inspired by the grand adventure epics and sparkling romances of stage and screen, including the works of Hollywood’s golden greats – George Bruce, Ernest Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr. Follow Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., the world’s greatest actor, as he heads to Paris to perform for the illustrious Comédie-Française. But after a few ill-advised words about the French land him in hot water, Rupert the Magnificent’s triumphant trip across the Channel takes a decidedly more dangerous turn.
Audiences should expect Tarantino’s signature style and rapier wit in a sweeping celebration of theatre, complete with acrobatics, swordplay, daring deeds, dastardly acts and an incredible cast whose virtues put the very saints to shame. Tarantino kept his own announcement fairly straightforward, saying:
“I’m keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out.”
Baron Cohen, meanwhile, had a slightly less restrained response to being offered the role.
“Quentin called, I said yes before he even got to say his first ‘motherf—er’. When the best director in the world calls, you don’t ask questions. I am beyond delighted that we will be losing our West End virginity together, I have made him promise not to be gentle.”
Quentin Tarantino Is Taking a Break From Hollywood
Tarantino‘s last movie was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 2019, which earned approximately $377 million worldwide and won two Academy Awards. Since then, the filmmaker has continued discussing his plans for a final movie, although several potential projects have come and gone without entering production.
The play is being produced by Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment‘s Motion Picture Group, alongside Sonia Friedman. The pair praised Tarantino‘s enthusiasm for working with actors, musicians, fencers and acrobats during development, while describing Baron Cohen as the ideal performer to lead the production.
“To see Quentin in action in a rehearsal room is extraordinary. His delight in working with actors, fencers, acrobats, musicians and our creative team is infectious, and there is such pleasure in hearing his delicious language come alive and discovering what his world can become on stage.”
Further casting has not yet been announced, although tickets are on sale through the production’s official website, with prices starting at £25. The Popinjay Cavalier begins previews at London’s Phoenix Theatre on February 23, 2027, before officially opening on March 18. The limited run concludes June 13, 2027.
via Collider